Has anybody used the usb to parallel port converters (around $10, Make: Bafo, Belkin etc) for JTAG programming? When i searched on the net, i found that these devices install a virtual usb printer driver (in windows) and provide only printer functionality, i,e they cannot be used for programming ,interfacing etc. as can be done in a real parallel port.
The topic has been discussed before, with a clear result (confirming your observation). With a notebook, you may want to use a PC-Card (PCMCIA) real hardware LPT interface for ~$30.